Prepared and written by Jeff Swenson, DATCP Livestock and Meat Specialist. The Market Update draws information from several sources, including trade publications, radio broadcasts, agricultural news services, individuals involved in the industry as well as USDA NASS and AMS reports.
Cash hogs were mostly steady last week. Wholesale pork prices have been on a bumpy path. The cutout value was 82 cents higher last week to average $115.92 and went as high as $117.41 on Friday, but was $4.39 lower this Tuesday. Harvest was estimated at 2.350 million last week, 14,000 head more than the previous week and 29,000 fewer than a year ago. Supply is likely not the reason for the lower cutout value given recent harvest totals. Year-to-date pork production is 2.1% less than 2024.
Exports, while 4% less than last year through the first six months of 2025, increased in June. June pork exports totaled 239,304 metric tons, 7% more than a year ago, while value increased 3.5% to $682.6 million. Most pork exported to China is tariffed at 57%. Even with the tariff, exporters were able to sell variety meats there. Mexico was again the lead buyer at 102,750 metric tons, an increase of 24% from a year ago. Pork export value equated to $68.49/head harvested in June, 3% higher than a year ago, while the January-June average was 2% lower at $65.07. Forty-pound feeder pigs were $1 lower last week with the composite price of $71.14/ head. Early weaned pigs averaged $54.02.
